Norwich man charged with weapons violations following disturbance

Norwich – A man who reportedly had a large handgun with him when he ran inside a Summit Street home early Friday morning and caused a disturbance has been charged with weapons violations.

Police said Steven A. Velez, 32, of 229 Summit St., Apt. B, entered his own residence and caused a disturbance at around 1:20 a.m.

He was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a pistol permit, interfering with an officer and breach of peace.

Velez refused to cooperate with police when they arrived and denied involvement in what had happened outside of his home. A press release from Norwich police does not specify the nature of the disturbance.

During the investigation and a search of the yards by Velez's home, police and K-9 "Keeto" recovered a cellphone and a revolver, police said.

Velez was taken into custody without incident and was held in lieu of a $500,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court, though a court date for his appearance was not given.

During the investigation, Sholanda Washington, 30, whom police described as an acquaintance of Velez's living at the same address, was taken into custody for interfering with the investigation and breach of peace. She is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court on April 11.